Star Trek and God

Sci-fi fun often ignores the tough questions about human existence.

This past weekend sci-fi fans headed to the movies to enjoy the latest incarnation of "Star Trek." The new movie version of the classic TV show that spawned ten feature films and hundreds of episodes of spin-off programs didn't disappoint those who wanted action, adventure and the appeal exhibited by the young actors who have taken over the iconic roles of Captain James T. Kirk and Commander Spock.

"Star Trek" is an all-encompassing vision of the future that has given generations of its fans an alternative universe to ponder. The original series and its generally well-made successors have reflected the culture and controversies of our own time rather than being an educated guess about what will be bothering humanity in the 24th century. In that sense the original Trek did a fine job exploring the tough issues of the 60's, such as racism and the balance of terror between competing superpowers.

Faith in God, or indeed any sort of religious belief, was largely confined to the less advanced populations of planets

In the original "Trek" as well as "The Next Generation," "Deep Space Nine," "Voyager" and "Enterprise," faith in God, or indeed any sort of religious belief, was largely confined to the less advanced populations of planets that were not likely to be joining the United Federation of Planets. The humans of the future were, by and large, clearly atheist even if they traveled among a great many races that held a variety of peculiar beliefs. The only thing in which Star Fleet officers truly believe is the "Prime Directive." That is a law that requires space travelers not to interfere in other cultures though, as fans of the show know, it is a rule that is often observed in the breach by officers like Kirk who are often as judgmental about other civilizations as the explorers of an earlier age.

For example, when Captain Picard, the "Enterprise's" leader in "The Next Generation" comes into contact with the inhabitants of a primitive planet that was being observed by Federation sociologists, they naturally assume he is a god because of the amazing tricks he can perform with space age technology. The generally likeable Picard regards these natives with the sort of condescension reserved for slow children. The frame of reference of the "Enterprise" crew is not that the residents of this planet had wrongly mistaken the captain for the true Master of the Universe but that they are children for believing in any sort of deity.

It should be noted that one famous exception to this rule came in a throwaway line concluding an episode during the original "Trek's" second season. At the end of a show in which the intrepid Kirk and Spock had interacted with a planet where something resembling the Roman Empire had endured until the equivalent of the 20th century replete with televised gladiator fights, we were informed that the slaves fighting for freedom were not worshippers of the Sun, but the son of God. This was the only evidence that I can recall that the "Enterprise" crew was even aware of the tenets of any faith that its audience might actually observe.

One religious breakthrough took place thirty years later on the "Star Trek: Voyager" show which was first shown in the mid-1990s. In that show, the "Voyager's" first officer was a Native American who still practiced the faith of his ancestors making him the first person from Earth to actively profess a religion.

But specifically Jewish content remains absent from "Trek." Though both of its two main original stars ― William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy ― are members of the tribe, there has yet to be any character in the show who wears a kippah or needs to be absent from his station on the bridge because of Yom Kippur. Much was and still continues to be made of Nimoy's "invention" of the Vulcan hand salute ("live long and prosper") that he derived from the priestly benediction extended to the congregation by Cohanim. Though viewers have experienced every sort of alien ritual over the years on the show, the observance of Judaism, or even Christianity, is something that appears to be extinct in a "Star Trek" universe where appreciation of other relics of our time such as baseball still exist.

In no small measure this disdain for faith stems from the mindset of its creators who envisioned a future that was based on belief in humanity's steady and inexorable advance from primitive beliefs to rational scientific thought. Doubts about faith in technology have crept into the show over time. The computers and devices that would define the "Trek" world could as easily be used for evil as for good. But it was for the most part a world in which the Supreme Being as understood by the Judeo-Christian worldview (as opposed to the understanding of the fictional Klingons, Romulans, Cardassianns and Bajorans) is absent. Gene Roddenberry (not Jewish despite the persistent rumors to that effect) saw the future in a basically optimistic way and for him that implied the absence of traditional Western religion.

As such, for all of the enjoyment that "Trek" has given its fans (and I will stipulate that I have been one from the show's earliest days though I have never attended a "convention" or sported a "Star Fleet Academy" bumper sticker on my car.), it has always punted on some of the toughest questions that intelligent beings on this planet or any other are bound to ask about the universe we inhabit. The "Trek" world is one that is without any true God but a belief in humanity and science, a faith that, as we learned to our collective sorrow in the 20th century, is a poor guide for any civilization, no matter how superficially advanced.

Battlestar Galactica

An interesting contrast to the atheism of "Trek" is the way religious faith was depicted on the recently concluded "Battlestar Gallactica" revival. The new version of the show was a brilliant and dark exploration of the story told from the perspective of the post 9/11 world. Though its ending left most of its fans unsatisfied, in its pilot and first seasons the show's chilling depiction of the genocide of humanity by a race of robots called Cylons made one ponder what it would actually be like to survive such an event or how to deal best with terror and a war against an enemy bent on annihilation.

The most chilling aspect of "Gallactica" was its treatment of religion.

But as unsettling as all of that might be, the most chilling aspect of "Gallactica" was its treatment of religion. The humans on "Gallactica" seem to be the product of an advanced civilization but they are also polytheists who always referred to deity in the plural, even when cursing. Their "gods" were those of the ancient Greek myths. But their foes, the implacable Cylons, rejected the pagan religion of the humans and instead worshipped a single God whom they believed was the only true Supreme Being.

How can we account for this curious paradox? Were these monotheistic mass murdering robots a reflection of the fundamentalist Islam that brought down the 9/11 cataclysm on the United States? Perhaps. But, as was the case with many other Americans who found the notion of a clash of civilizations between Islamists and the West too painful to contemplate, the show eventually changed course and humanized the Cylons to the point that they were just as sympathetic, if not more so, than the show's humans.

As for faith, it wasn't entirely clear what the survivors of "Gallactica's" cataclysmic war between people and machines believed in by the time the show ended but it looked as if something akin to the monotheism of the Cylons seemed to prevail over the pagan myths that drove the humans.

If space operas, like the Westerns that came before them, are the ultimate morality plays, then maybe it's not too much to ask that they take faith seriously. Unlike "Trek's" breezy and optimistic atheism, "Gallactica's" dark and confusing attempt to think seriously about faith marked an advance for the genre. A world without God, even a fantasy world, is one that will inevitably be as much at a loss for ultimate answers as the one we currently inhabit.

Visitor Comments: 27

(26)
Blatantone,
July 17, 2011 4:28 PM

religion in the future

Muslims are under fire in this country, at present. Most religions have taken a beating and paid their dues through history. I wonder if religion itself will go the way of mythology, one day, and man will depend on only himself for the answers to all questions of the unknown, without having to look to a supreme being for guidance. It would eliminate a reason for argument and of war.

Lyone,
July 25, 2011 7:17 PM

self-sufficiency?

Mythology *IS* man depending on himself for the answers. Religion is what takes us beyond our myths and symbols, to look for the reality of the inexpressible.

(25)
Jason,
December 22, 2010 8:35 PM

Replictors

I just read the article. In college we argued over if a replicated cheeseburger was kosher. Also could you talk to Data on Shabbas? It would actually be an interesting little discussion on the Aish site. Since NASA has developed meat that is grown in a vat (too expensive right now but at some point in the future who knows), and since AI is becoming more advanced these might be similar to real future questions. Live Long and Prosper.

(24)
RDW,
January 29, 2010 1:50 AM

Awesome article

Although you wrote this article about 8 months ago, I just stumbled on it now. The other commenters already addressed everything I could have thought of, except to ask... Can I please read your comments on other series? It would be so nice to incorporate something I'm famliar with to Jewish faith.

(23)
Anonymous,
July 17, 2009 4:48 PM

Try Babylon 5

I agree with your comments about Star Trek and the absence of religion, although I'm not sure this necesssarily reflects antipathy. I would like to recommend that you obtain and watch the DVD collections of Babylon 5. Religions, including Judaism and Christianity, are depicted in a positive manner throughout the series (notwithstanding a suggestion as to the role of ancient races). Moreover, the second in command is a Jewish woman who was shown lighting Hanukah candles. Her observation of shivah after her father's death was a subplot in an early episode. I believe Theodore Bikel played her uncle, a rabbi.

(22)
Davez,
July 4, 2009 11:27 PM

A Fish not knowing it's wet

I was well- raised on the deep morality tales of the original Star Trek. A great optimistic humanist value system extended into our outward exploration, in contrast to the religious but belligerent colonization of the New World by the Europeans. In Star Trek I developed a sense of respect for heroism, compassion, and personal excellence. Perhaps by then our better angels have been so championed and adopted by our species that separation from our morality and its personification is no longer as necessary. Perhaps we have become more toward good at last, moved more toward compassion, less from hypocrasy. Perhap we are good.I always felt it was what Star Trek has shown me since age 9.

(21)
Yaakov D.,
May 15, 2009 10:00 AM

As R. Weinberg said...

Millions will pay to see a movie about "the Force" but the place will clear out if you mention G-d.

(20)
Meir Stone,
May 14, 2009 8:12 PM

Rabbis in space

The Show Babylon 5 had a much more real few of religion. There where several episode with Catholic Preist a Minster here and there and at lest two Rabbis. One of the chacters sits shiva and lights the Menorah.
MeirNoach7aol.com

(19)
Fred,
May 14, 2009 1:00 PM

Its entertainment silly

We watch these shows for enterainment. If I wanted to learn about G-dliness I sit and learn Torah. That's all it is, a few hours of your time for pure enterainment. if you can't take it as such, don't waste your money or time.

(18)
J.G.,
May 14, 2009 12:42 PM

The Search for Spock - Resurrection of the Dead?

I appreciate the article, and the time and thought that went into it. I would like to ask the author, and fellow readers, to recall the Search for Spock movie, released in 1984. It dealt with "Genesis", literally with the rebuilding of the dead planet of the same name Spock was from, as well as the resurrection of a dead Spock (who died in the second movie the Wrath of Khan). The essence of Spock, his neshama, or soul so to speak (called the "katra" in the movie) needed to be restored. Lots of Jewish and Christian themes here. I was only 11 when the movie came out, but I can remember the strong religious feelings I had when I watched it in the theater. The Klingons also tried to wield the power of the Genesis planet for evil, kind of like the way false prophets in history tried to harness the power of G-d for themselves, or convince others that their false ways are as powerful or more powerful than G-d. Ulitmately, good overcame evil. This movie might be the one big religious exception to the Star Trek movie franchise, and I feel it should not be left out of an article about Start Trek and religion.

(17)
Anonomous,
May 13, 2009 8:18 PM

Huh?

This is an extremely confusing article, as it seems like the author believes Star Trek, a fictional series, was almost anti religion, because of its faith in humanity. The author writes,
"The "Trek" world is one that is without any true God but a belief in humanity and science, a faith that, as we learned to our collective sorrow in the 20th century, is a poor guide for any civilization, no matter how superficially advanced."
Yet what we learned in the twentieth century does not reflect on whether or not this crazy "belief in humanity" is such a bad idea in the twenty fifth.
Star Trek is fictional, a way of speculating on human behavior and our actions in hundreds of years. The author writes that in essence, belief in God was a belief only held by "backwards" peoples. Why is this a problem in the fictional universe as we attempt to relate to our present time?
Also, why is it a problem that Judaism was not portrayed in the show? Why isn't it also a problem that a small tribe of men's made-up-on-the-spot religion was not shown either?

(16)
Dov,
May 13, 2009 12:15 PM

religion, sci-fi, and the Pope

Perhaps it's all in fun (and money-making, as some have wisely pointed out but I still agree with the author, that total lack of G-d-presence is an inherent problem in these venues. Lord of the Rings, written by a devout christian, as well as Harry Potter, are both about cataclysmic adventures in which the existence of the universe or humanity, is in the balance. While I agree that the authors are just trying to express themselves, have fun, and make a buck, what do my kids think about a giant world problem, lives of the characters at stake - and never do they daven, ask Hashem for help? Well, they can't, and the responses are right - but it certainly affects us and our kids. That is the authors point, I believe. When we or our kids are in the middle of a movie, we identify with the character(s). We accept what they are doing as understandable and realistic on some level. The idea that a good person who needs to beat impossible odds to save his life, the lives of loved ones, or the universe (typical sci-fi scenario)is thinking of everything else BUT G-d and certainly not asking for G-ds help, frankly, reeks of atheism, in my opinion.
The alternative is ridiculous, though, as these shows can't suddenly get sectarian an start involving some religious belief in the entertainment, but it's just a limitation. In a similar way, the horrifying film, "same time next year" implicitly condoned and encouraged thoughtless adultery. Hey, it was entertaining and touching - therein lies the trouble with it. Thanks!

(15)
Anonymous,
May 13, 2009 12:12 PM

Interesting

I have nothing to say about the absence of religion - mainly because I don't think it has to permeate everything in life.
However, the article was very interesting and illuminating - almost as good as watching the Star Trek series was.
It would be nice to think that there are other creatures in the universe but I think, in the end, we will prove to be all alone.

(14)
Daniel,
May 13, 2009 11:37 AM

Firefly

There was a short lived science fiction TV show (and movie) that incorporated religion on a personal and social level and addressed moral issues small and large from theft to oppresive governments. The show was called Firefly and interstingly was created by an atheist Josh Wheldon.

(13)
E.L.,
May 13, 2009 8:19 AM

V: The TV mini-series

Around 1982 a Sci-Fi TV mini-series ran called "V," about an alien nation that came to exploit the earth. It did not address religion directly, but the theme was a parallel of what happened in Nazi Germany. The alien insignia even resembled a half swastika, and one of the characters was a holocaust survivor, who commented on the similarities between the aliens and the Nazis. The message was pretty obvious.

(12)
M,
May 13, 2009 7:20 AM

Religion in another SciFi Franchise f.y.i.

A science fiction franchise, (universe) in which religion played a central role, was Frank Herbert's DUNE. Religion was essential to the storyline in all the novels and sequels. The sequels are even better, in my opinion, and were colaborated on (following Herbert's death) by his son Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson. In one of the later sequels, Herbert and Anderson depict (yes!) Jews in space, (no pun) and Orthodox Jews at that. Please note this is set some 21000 years ahead in our future, where Jews still suffer persecution on various planets, though have negotiated their safety with the Bene Gesserits (a powerful order of mentally adept women). Worth a look up on Wikipedia, to get a firmer, explanation, if anyone is curious.
M

(11)
Basya,
May 13, 2009 4:44 AM

Response to (7) Broom, 12/5/2009

You wrote, "Perhaps in the future religion will be a more personal, quiet, introspective matter, a true relationship between a person and God, rather than people walking around with a kippah on, or a giant cross on his chest, or any other outward sign of religious artifact primarily meant for display. "
Why do you think that walking around with a kippah is primarily meant for display? The people I know wear a kippah to remind themselves that G-d is above them. They wear it when alone in a room too (possibly when it is the MOST needed). Are you trying to say that if you allow your religion to show outwardly, there is something wrong?
Why do you equate "personal, quiet, introspective" with "true relationship between a person and God"? What is a relationship between a person and G-d? If it is just a warm fuzzy feeling, then you can just introspect and feel nice about your relationship to G-d. But does that make you close to G-d, or does it just make you *feel* close to G-d?
Why must a good (in your eyes) religion lack any communal aspect?
I agree that acting pious in public when you really are not is meant for display and is not a true relationship with G-d, but that does not imply that your religion has to be invisible and lacking in community in order to be a true relationship to G-d.

(10)
Dina,
May 13, 2009 4:08 AM

I very much enjoyed your article, for I too am a Star Trek fan who has noted with sorrow the show''s faith in "almighty" science.

I think you would be very interested in seeing a Voyager episode which I believe is called "Sacred Ground". In it, Kes is mortally wounded while exploring an alien religious shrine and can only be saved by Janeway appealing to the "gods". She goes through all the rituals only to be told that the rituals are worthless (certainly a comment on religious observance today). Her alien spiritual guide teases her about her total "faith" in science, and she must learn to stop trying to control everything herself. Janeway ultimately has to suspend all rational scientific thought and re-enter the shrine with Kes (which SHOULD kill them both) in order to heal her. Janeway struggles with this but ultimately does just that, and it seems like she becomes a believer! The end of the episode, however, shows Kes and the Doctor giving all kinds of rational, scientific reasons for her having been saved, and the episode ends with a clearly conflicted Janeway saying something like "it all sounds very scientific".

I recomend that you view this clear Science vs. Religion- themed episode.

(9)
Melly,
May 13, 2009 12:11 AM

Star Trek had 'morals' but was basically a 'fun' show.

I admit, I was (and still am) a trekkie...I have been from a very young age. I grew up with the show, it taught me a lot of things (moral and scientific)and it gave me something optimistic to look at, as well as something all around fun to watch. The question of 'is G-d a part of the Star Trek universe' never even crossed my mind when I was younger. I understood that G-d is in our world, but this was pretend and there is no G-d in that world.
While I think that religion on the show would have added an interesting dimention to the characters, it also brings up a very big important question - which, out of the literally HUNDREDS of religions, should be portrayed? Picking only one or two and integrating them into a Star Trek character could cause jealousy or even anger from members of other un-represented religions. Gene Roddenberry didn't create this universe to portray religion, he did it to make something fun that had the occasional moral or life lesson attached.
Having said that, I very much enjoyed Babylon 5's portrayal of religion, especially in the episode mentioned above by Bruce. There have also been mentionable nods to Judaism in other well written shows such as The X-Files and House. As an Orthodox Jew myself, I love that those shows have the courage to go there, and that they made for some very interesting stories, but I still believe that it has no place in the Star Trek universe.

(8)
Nathan,
May 12, 2009 10:25 PM

"Mankind has no need for gods. We find the One quite adequate."

Rodenberry admitted pulling his punches on religion in Star Trek. When it was pointed out to him that the Enterprise crew appears humanistic, he replied: "Oh yes, they have their own beliefs, which are private to them and they don't evangelize or go around discussing them with other people. I've always assumed that by this time (24th c.) there is a belief that is common to people in Star Trek that yes, there is something out there. There is, perhaps, something that guides our lives but we don't know what it is and we don't know if it is."
[Quoted in "Religions of Star Trek", by the academic scholars Ross Kraemer, William Cassidy and Susan L. Schwartz]

(7)
Broom,
May 12, 2009 7:39 PM

There Was Religion in Star Trek

There was definitely religion in Star Trek (the original series). It's just that generally the episodes took place during working hours, when expression of religion would be inappropriate. Religion is a personal matter, and even in our time it would be very peculiar to find expressions of religion during a person's working hours. That's especially true in the setting of a military outfit or on a military vehicle such as a star ship (essentially a futuristic aircraft carrier). However, if you look closely, you can see hints of religious belief. For instance, in the episode "Balance of Terror," which aired during the first season, in December, 1966, a young couple on board the Enterprise was about to get married (Kirk as Captain had the authority to officiate at a wedding), the wedding was interrupted by a Romulan attack on a nearby star base. In the ensuing battle, one crew member, the groom Robert Tomlinson, was killed. In the last scene of the episode, Kirk goes to the ship's chapel, where the young bride crew member is praying and greiving. The existence of religion is handled in a very quiet, sophisticated way, but it definitely exists. Perhaps that's the reason why the author of this article didn't pick up on it. Perhaps in the future religion will be a more personal, quiet, introspective matter, a true relationship between a person and God, rather than people walking around with a kippah on, or a giant cross on his chest, or any other outward sign of religious artifact primarily meant for display. Perhaps that's the way God really wants us to be. Perhaps in Star Trek's time, people finally figured that out.

(6)
Josh Effron,
May 12, 2009 7:10 PM

Star Trek had other examples of beliefs in a Deity

In addition to Chakotay (and in addition to the underrated film Star Trek: V, whose whole premise was about the search for the Almighty), the Bajorans - prominently featured on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - had a definite belief in the Prophets and were regarded as quite advanced. Captain Sisko even eventually learned to accept his role in their religion as the Emissary. On Star Trek: Voyager, B'Elanna Torres (half human, half Klingon) slowly learned to accept the beliefs of her Klingon heritage and contemplated what it would be like in Sto-Vo-Kor, the Klingon Afterlife. These are a few examples of religion found in Star Trek. But it is true that Jewish, Christian, and even Muslim religions are generally not shown in Star Trek, but it is always assumed that they exist. Perhaps a future Star Trek series will feature characters who practice Judaism/Christianity/Islam.

(5)
Vladtepesblog,
May 12, 2009 6:23 PM

You really need a new hobby

1. Guy makes show. 2. Show becomes wildly popular because it is good and entertaining. 3. Groups of busy bodies then demand that the show and it's characters conform to the ethos and morality of the busy bodies 4. show goes to crap. This happened over and over agian from Mickey mouse on down. First of all, Star Trek was so Jewish they probably never filmed on Yom Kipper so there was no one there not to be on the Bridge. Lastly,nothing annoys me more than people who watch a thing all concerned about how it may make other people think. As if they themselves are the only ones alive capable of independent thought. Im sad to say, Jewish people can be the worst in that loudly protesting films from Life of Brian to Saving Private Ryan etc. If you can see a TV show or movie and not be swayed from your faith, then don't worry about anyone else. If a Jewish or any other person has faith which is so weak lack of yarmulkes on the bridge of a fake TV fiction show causes it to waver, then maybe it wasn't worth having in the first place.

(4)
Jim,
May 12, 2009 6:07 PM

One god is enough

I seem to remember an episode of the original Star Trek in which the captain and his crew were brought to a planet to serve as worshippers for the Greek god Ares. If I remember right, Kirk had a line - something like, "we don't need you, our one God is enough."

(3)
James,
May 12, 2009 4:43 PM

Twilight Zone and Babylon 5

Bruce is right about Babylon 5. It had a Jewish main character and there was even an episode where the human captain introduced an alien ambassador to members of every human religion. That included a rabbi.
It also needs to be mention that the Twilight Zone, though many years ago, had numerous religious references andeven had episodes that revolved around the Holocaust. So while Trek ignores it and Galactica may confuse it, there have been quite a few sci-fi shows that not only tackle but embraced religion.

(2)
callie,
May 12, 2009 10:15 AM

Star Trek and religion

I think if aliens landed in a time not too long ago and did fantastic things that we could not imagine we'd label them G-ds as well and they would be very condescending. I know I feel superior to people less educated than I am. I'm a nice person, but I can't help that feeling. I don't understand how this makes Picard anti-G-d.
Star Trek occurs in a distant future after a world war that nearly destroys humanity and a genetically improved segment of people who seek to put regular people in slavery. Sometime in those centuries I'm sure loss of religion might occur if we were to face something similar. To come out on the other end as a peaceful world not knowing poverty, or disease and where everyone is educated and lives a productive life would be miraculous.
The thing is that we need to stop thinking about the portrayal of religion in a movie that has been universally panned or in a television series that is no longer in production and worry more about how Judaism is being practiced and promoted today.
Perhaps we should worry more about providing singles with the opportunity to meet other Jews and to find ways of welcoming in already intermarried people and promote conversion and the education of "half" Jews so that they can lead Jewish lives.
Jewish education and the future of it is of far greater concern than whether the usually childless crew of the Enterprise plan on sending their kids to a secular or parochial school!!!

(1)
Bruce,
May 12, 2009 7:46 AM

Babylon 5 Had Judaism In Prominent Role

I would point you to another sci fi TV series: Babylon 5.
There are dozens of episodes where religion is the focus.
In one episode the Earth representative is asked to provide an example of his world's native religious events as each other planet shares a local ceremony. He responds by bringing in dozens of religious leaders from all faiths, noting there is no one single faith on Earth.
In a more poignant episode, the space station's executive officer learns of her estranged father's death. She tries to block out her grief, until her father's rabbi arrives on the station and says he's there to help her sit shiva and to join her in the mourner's kaddish. At first she is reluctant, but they talk over dinner (where the rabbi asks the origin of the interstellar fish to determine if it is kosher) and she at last realizes she needs this observance. As the episode ends she is in her cabin explaining the tradition to her friends and it fades out with her reciting the kaddish in English to better share it with them. Truly a proud moment in the series and for religion in sci fi TV.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...